Nomceba Zuma, the 21-year-old daughter of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma, has confirmed her engagement to King Mswati III of Eswatini, formerly Swaziland. The announcement was made during the annual Reed Dance ceremony held on Monday at the Ludzidzini Royal Village in Lobamba, Eswatini.
The Reed Dance, also known as the Umhlanga, is a traditional ceremony in Eswatini where thousands of young women and girls gather to dance for the king. This cultural event, which marks a rite of passage for many participants, also serves as an opportunity for King Mswati, who is 56, to choose a new wife. During the event, Nomceba Zuma was officially recognized as the “liphovela,” a term used for the royal fiancée or concubine.
The ceremony saw Nomceba Zuma among a crowd of 5,000 participants, all dressed in vibrant traditional attire. The young women and girls performed elaborate dances, some wielding imitation swords and shields, before King Mswati and his entourage.
King Mswati III, who has ruled Eswatini since 1986, is known for his polygamous lifestyle. He has at least 14 wives and 25 children. His choice of a new wife from the Reed Dance is a significant tradition in the kingdom. Nomceba Zuma’s engagement marks a notable union, as her father, Jacob Zuma, is also a prominent figure known for his own polygamous practices. Jacob Zuma, 82, served as South Africa’s president until his resignation in 2018 amid corruption allegations. He has a total of at least 20 children.
The engagement has brought international attention, particularly because of the disparity it highlights between the luxurious lifestyle of Eswatini’s royal family and the economic hardships faced by the majority of the kingdom’s population. Despite the opulence surrounding the monarchy, nearly 60 percent of Eswatini’s population lives on less than $2 a day, according to recent statistics.
As the Reed Dance continues, Nomceba Zuma’s role as the king’s fiancée will be closely watched, reflecting both the traditional customs of Eswatini and the complex intersection of global and local politics.
